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Royal Canal on a Road Bike

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,299 ✭✭✭Mercian Pro


    Managed to get on the 9.10 Sligo train this morning to Mullingar despite not being able to book online or get a ticket at Drumcondra station. The ticket checker couldn't have been more helpful and I got one of the official bike spaces. At the other end of the carriage a guy had an enormous electric bike wedged into one of the wheelchair spaces.

    The 90km spin back home was great - sunshine, a stiff westerly wind and not too cold. Other than near some of the larger towns, the Greenway was really quiet and I was able to keep up a good average both on the tarmac shared sections and the car-free gritted parts. Even on the shared sections I only met two cars and they slowed right down. After a great lunch in Timeless in Kilcock, I chanced staying on the towpath east of the Carton Estate but ran into grass/mud a bit before Deey Bridge at Intel and scrambled down a bank onto the busy R128. It was a bit of a shock to the system after 65km of glorious solitude so I took to the back roads before rejoining the canal at Castleknock for the last stretch back to Cross Guns.

    Hopefully the remaining sections in Kildare, Fingal and Dublin will be finished before too long. It's such a fantastic amenity and beyond belief that the sections with potentially greatest demand are taking an age to be upgraded.

    https://strava.app.link/lTLWUyURywb

    Post edited by Mercian Pro on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,461 ✭✭✭Gerry


    nice work. wonder how you'd have fared if you'd try rejoin at confey in leixlip.

    I think I'll be trying to get a run at the maynooth to cloondara return. 240k in one day or else do sensible thing and overnight in tarmonbarry.

    anyone up for this?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,299 ✭✭✭Mercian Pro


    Sounds interesting but not on a windy day! Did Longford-Cloondra-Dublin a few years ago and that was 165km.

    I couldn't quite remember the other day which were the muddy or closed sections between Intel and Castleknock so decided to skip the lot!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,108 ✭✭✭buffalo


    Leixlip Louisa Bridge-Confey section was started in mid November with signs saying it'd be closed for three months. That means there's an estimated two-three weeks left, but it's still just all mud. I'd say the swans won't be happy if they overrun by much, it'll be getting deeper into nesting season.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,299 ✭✭✭Mercian Pro


    Please don't be putting thoughts in their heads about suspending work for 4 months 😨



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,709 ✭✭✭2011abc


    26kmh plus is a very respectable average for those surfaces !You could easily scramble down the bank ( or be catapulted over !) into the canal at the terrifying bit with the incredibly long drop to water a few km after Clonsilla headed towards Dublin .(Does it have a name , unofficial or otherwise , it’s NOT ‘The Great Sinking’) It’s scarey walking or running it in the dry .Anybody attempting to cycle it in the wet deserves a medal ! It must be the maddest path in Ireland .The closest we have to one of those Top Gear specials where they drive large vehicles around mountainside precipices in South America !Upgrades were meant to be started last Summer there also .



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 338 ✭✭RunDMC


    That section between Castleknock station and St Mochta's GAA is known as the Deep Sinking.


    R



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,461 ✭✭✭Gerry


    deep sinking in the wet or freezing weather is intimidating alright. doable on a mountain bike. I'd agree the fall to the canal does add a bit of spice . I think the plan for that section is for the other bank has run into objections from residents who got themselves lovely long gardens out to the canal.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,299 ✭✭✭Mercian Pro


    If you look at my post and the Strava link, I skipped the Deep Sinking and all of the mucky or closed sections east of Carton Estate. There was a time when I actually enjoyed going through the Deep Sinking but in recent years it's got a good bit more gnarly and I've gotten more cautious!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,683 ✭✭✭Citizen  Six


    Went through the deep sinking section today, with a full load of shopping on the panniers! It's been a while since I'd done that stretch. Meant to get the train inbound from Coolmine, but it was delayed, so cycled on as far as Broombridge instead.

    Met about four people/groups, who were really nice and moved aside for me, even the few times I had pulled in first. It's nice to see friendly walkers on that section.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,683 ✭✭✭Citizen  Six


    Another kissing gate removed, close to the old Reilly's crossing/Ratoath Road.





  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 40,469 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    Meant to add this recently: I took a walk alongside canal beteeen Digby Br and Sallins with Mrs. Brundle and took this photo of the repairs to the Four Pots...




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,309 ✭✭✭VonLuck


    Does anyone have photos of the deep sinking? It sounds very ominous from what I've heard here so I've never tried it, despite not knowing how bad it actually is!



  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 40,469 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    oops - I'm only realising that this is the Royal Canal thread whereas as you all no doubt spotted, my photo is along the Grand Canal - apols.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 502 ✭✭✭getoutadodge


    There's a few here. The name is over the top. Its not exactly the Khyber Pass. But tree roots means its not for cycling really and very muddy in the winter. Still waiting for DCC to get on with it as per the north side of the canal proposals but the nimbys are digging in using every nonsensical objection in the book.

    https://royalcanalrunner.com/tag/deep-sinking/



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,683 ✭✭✭Citizen  Six


    Just spotted your post, and by chance, I was on it today. I really enjoy cycling that section, but it has a lot of stones, and roots as mentioned. I mainly use a gravel bike on it, but I've done it on my road bike with 25mm tyres before.




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,309 ✭✭✭VonLuck


    I was expecting much worse to be honest! I might give it a spin someday.

    Unrelated, but did anyone see a sign saying that the section of the greenaway at Croke Park is to close for 3 weeks? Any idea what's happening?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 502 ✭✭✭getoutadodge


    The CrossGuns to Ballybough section upgrade is due to begin. So might be related



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,461 ✭✭✭Gerry


    I'm really puzzled by this article.. when this bit is done it doesnt mean the whole thing is done. unless the deep sinking is all sorted?



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,483 ✭✭✭jlang


    Section in Dublin City Council will be done.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,108 ✭✭✭buffalo


    If you're referring to the quote "When complete phase three will link Spencer Dock in Dublin 1 with Maynooth in Co Kildare", then you're correct in thinking it's wrong. The outer Dublin section including deep sinking is yet to be done, as well as nearly all of Dublin boundary to Maynooth.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,500 ✭✭✭Macy0161


    Yes, I'd pictured a much rougher section and a bigger drop into the canal!



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,311 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    €30m for 2km is not madly far off what it costs per km for a motorway - i'd be curious how accurate the figure is, and what the breakdown is.



  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 40,469 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    In terms of the Dublin boundary to Maynooth, the section from Cope Bridge (Confey) to Louisa Br is well underway with the foundation layer looking like it is completed or near completion. Once done, the will presumably do from Louisa Br to Deey Br or Pike Br.

    They aren't doing from Cope Bridge to the county line in this pahse from what I can see.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,108 ✭✭✭buffalo


    From the train window, that layer is only about two-thirds of the way along.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 502 ✭✭✭getoutadodge


    Supposedly the Crossguns down to Ballybough section upgrade is to start imminently...with a ...(wait for it) ...two year timeframe. It will be interesting to see if Waterways Ireland actually fix the various locks which are in very poor order. Cue budget complaints etc. I've yet to see how Newcomen bridge will be handled as its a death trap atm.

    The section from Crossguns to Castleknock is in relatively good shape but the crossing at Ashtown lock (where u must switch sides) is really dangerous because of traffic. Its an old humpback bridge adjacent to a rail crossing with a train station to boot. Not sure of a solution but will get worse as there's so much development happening on the east side of the rail line. I wonder if there was a landgrab by some old Anglo estate back in the day which preludes a northern path on this section of the canal? Hence the need for the switchover. If so Waterways Ireland should reclaim their land.

    The Deep Sinking Section which begins at Castleknock railway station heading west by north is snarled up with objections. Plus the involvement of Irish Rail because of the proximity of the line adds to complications. This is the reason for the proposed northern cycle ramp. The existing southern towpath right beside the rail line simply won't fly....far too narrow and steep ...and naturally IR have the final say. Don't hold your breath .....even though, in a way , this is the most important section since it will allow cyclists from a huge catchment area of north west Dublin/ Kildare to commute all the way to the Docklands....if its ever completed. Some of the submissions are attached below so u can see what Fingal CC are up against. My favourite is the Japanese knotweed.

    Of the three authorities involved (DCC, Fingal, Kildare) Fingal seem to be the most active. I hear Kildare finally got their act together but haven't been on that section over the winter. Ideally when its done u can hop on the canal near Intel and fly all the way to Docklands. i'd love to see all the locks upgraded as part of this so that barge tourist traffic could resume from Docklands all the way to the Shannon...but dream on.

    https://consult.fingal.ie/en/node/19709/submissions



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,108 ✭✭✭buffalo


    the crossing at Ashtown lock (where u must switch sides) is really dangerous because of traffic. Its an old humpback bridge adjacent to a rail crossing with a train station to boot. Not sure of a solution but will get worse as there's so much development happening on the east side of the rail line.

    There's a separate bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, with a signalised crossing on the road. I'm not sure what more you could ask for? The electrification of the line will see the level crossing closed anyhow, so there'll be no more traffic then.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 502 ✭✭✭getoutadodge


    "The electrification of the line will see the level crossing closed anyhow, so there'll be no more traffic then."

    Will the level crossing be closed to traffic permanently?



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,311 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    is it not the intended increased frequency of rail services which is threatening the level crossings, rather than the electrification itself?



  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 40,469 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    To my knowledge, the increased frequency of services is what is going to close the road at Blakestown (Deey Bridge) near me. Barry Kenny also confirms that it is frequency in this article...




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  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 40,469 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    Just saw this tweet a moment ago which shows how far the canal has come in 45 years (although it really should not have been neglected back then)...




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,108 ✭✭✭buffalo



    Yes. See Dart+ drawings for Ashtown - there'll be a new underpass west of the stables coming out next to the Supervalu carpark access. https://www.dartplus.ie/en-ie/news/2022/revised-ashtown-preferred-option

    It's all Dart+ to me. ¯\_ (ツ)_/¯



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,311 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    you don't know much about dart, but you know what you like?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 502 ✭✭✭getoutadodge


    Yeah it looks great. Crossguns and Castleknock also look great with the upgrade. Roll on....



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 502 ✭✭✭getoutadodge




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,683 ✭✭✭Citizen  Six


    It's already archaic, with a crossing keeper there closing the gates manually.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 502 ✭✭✭getoutadodge


    Yeah I went there to see again today and the rail gates were shut upon arrival to allow the trains thru. Sure enough some bloke came down to unlock the gates and open the route to cars, bikes and pedestrian traffic. Archaic is right...but hey the "plans" look good. Here's hoping. A huge artic coming from the Scribbelstown road end forced me onto the footpath in a hurry (I heard the diesel engine roar and looked back) where I nearly pushed into an aulfella with a crutch on the narrow footpath. He copped on that the artic left me no choice and was cool about it all. Just another day cycling Dublin.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,709 ✭✭✭2011abc


    I think novices to this thread might be well reminded that the section around the ‘Deep Sinking’ nearer the city could very easily entail not just plunging into the canal but doing so from a considerable height .Once you get past Clonsilla outbound it’s just ‘soggy’ as far as Confey but before that it’s combined with tree roots , narrow tracks and unnaturally scarey heights above the water !Confey to Louisa Bridge is still under repair and Intel to Carton/Maynooth is slippy at all bar the best of times .The rebel in me reckons you could probably get from Confey to Louisa right now ‘out of workhours’ and maybe even during them if prepared to ‘engage’ with the council workers ….Barriers at either end don’t look very restrictive and coarse grey hardcore surface prob no worse than muddy slime normally there this time of year



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,683 ✭✭✭Citizen  Six


    I personally think you are making it out to be worse than it is. You need to take care on it, but it's not really that dangerous. You just need to take it slowly and you'll be fine.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,228 ✭✭✭Breezer



    Agreed. And it’s great craic with the right tyres! I’ll miss it when it’s gone, although I get the advantages the upgrade will bring for those of a more sedate disposition 😀



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,461 ✭✭✭Gerry


    the proposed route looks to be still on the north bank, so the deep sinking wouldn't be gone but wouldn't be part of the route. thats my reading of it anyway



  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,311 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    The proposed route is on the north bank, but they haven't really had the fight yet about it, with the delwood residents association.



  • Registered Users Posts: 237 ✭✭DD Mikasa


    Is Maynooth to Mullingar road bike friendly on this Greenway? Thinking of doing it in the next few days, as off, but not sure whether to bring the road bike or the mtb.



  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 40,469 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    It is fine on a road bike. I did Leixlip - Maynooth - Mullingar - Maynooth - Leixlip back in 2020 and managed something like 27 or 28km/h on a sunny Sunday morning (I think it was about 130km altogether (so about 115 from Maynooth and back)).

    It's a mix of tarmac and compact grit but fine. Just pay heed to any signposts when you get to a bridge as you have to change sides every so often. Other than that, enjoy!



  • Registered Users Posts: 237 ✭✭DD Mikasa


    Thanks for that. Road bike it is!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,108 ✭✭✭buffalo


    Looks like this is done the whole length (of that section) now.



  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 40,469 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    Yeah, I just saw the photos in the Greenways thread



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,299 ✭✭✭Mercian Pro


    For some reason the old news that Leo Varadkar objected to Fingal's plans to run the Greenway along the north bank of the Deep Sinking has been published again in the Irish Mirror and elsewhere. Maybe the fact that his mother and sister also objected is new. The one interesting bit is the following:

    "A spokesman for Fingal County Council told the Mirror that the route will go ahead on the north side of the canal bank despite the objections of the senior government politicians.

    He said: “‘Fingal County Council is currently preparing a planning application to An Bord Pleanála which involves the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and other associated documentation.

    “Consultation with stakeholders including Waterways Ireland and Irish Rail and discussions on land acquisition with relevant third-party landowners is also ongoing.

    “It is expected that a planning application to An Bord Pleanála will be submitted in 2023, subject to progression of the necessary planning documentation as well as the required public spending code approvals."

    So let's all hold our breaths until (late?) 2023 when the planning application may be submitted. Then, as magicbastarder predicts, the real fight will begin!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,683 ✭✭✭Citizen  Six


    Had planned to get the train to Enfield, and cycle back to Dublin on Saturday. Operational difficulties meant we had to get a bike repaired before we got to the train, so we ended up just going as far as Maynooth and cycling back from there.

    Section along Leixlip closed off but doesn't look too far away from finishing.

    Deep sinking was grand for me, but mate took it handier with 25mm tyres on road bike.

    Pint and chips in the Bernard Shaw when we got to Phibsborough.




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  • Moderators, Politics Moderators Posts: 40,469 Mod ✭✭✭✭Seth Brundle


    I passed over Packenham Br., near Westmanstown, this evening and noticed they have done a lot of clearing of the shrubs along the tow path but also laid down a thick layer of large stones. Not sure if this is a final layer or a foundation for a temporary path or what. Whilst I didn't spend long looking at it, it definitely didn't look like something I'd take a road bike along.




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